Twitter
Advertisement

Uddhav Thackeray U-turn leaves Shiv Sena baffled

Latest News
article-main
For representation purpose only
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

In a surprising U-turn the sulking Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray attended the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's government on Friday evening at Wankhede stadium after he got last minute phone calls from BJP president Amit Shah and Union finance and defence minister Arun Jaitley.

Thackeray had earlier ordered a Shiv Sena boycott of the oath-taking ceremony. In Saamna, the party mouthpiece, Thackeray had offered his best wishes to Fadnavis to run the state government but did not say anything about being part of the government or going to Wankhede.

Senior Sena leader Diwakar Raut said they were invited therefore they attended the swearing-in ceremony at the eleventh hour. "We were invited with respect by central BJP leaders. We always keep our pride intact in all circumstances," said Raut.

Many Shiv Sena leaders were, however, baffled by the turnaround of Thackeray. They felt that once they offered the olive branch, the BJP should have invited them to join the government. The BJP cannot toy with them and the party's dignity should be maintained.

BJP sources told dna that they will take Sena with them but on their own terms. "Sena is no more in a position to dictate terms. They should first offer support to our government, then we will think of including them in the cabinet. If Sena is not willing, we will continue to run the minority government with the NCP's outside support," said a BJP leader.

Sena MP Sanjay Raut clarified that for Sena power is not important but the pride of the Marathi manoos. "We are not power hungry. We will sit in the opposition if nothing works out. We believe more in self respect and pride," he said. The party will however remain part of the NDA government at the Centre.

What then are the options for the Sena? Not many. The BJP's short-term survival strategy is to depend on the NCP and the long-term plan is to win over legislators from other parties to cobble together the numbers. So, as of now Sena does not figure in both these game plans. This strategy, the BJP believes, will finish off the Sena in the next elections and the entire Hindutva vote bank will be theirs.

Sena, on the other hand, thinks that if they sit in the opposition they can teach BJP a lesson in the next elections. It is a battle for the same political terrain and there can only be one winner.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement